Review of Trainspotting (1996) by Jem S — 16 Jun 2013

Trainspotting is fast and raw. The pace never slows down from the rapid-fire snapshots of junky-life. The book of the same name by Irvine Welsh (a former drug-addict himself) is one of my favorite books of all time, so I was surprised at how good a job Danny Boyle did.

Like the movie, the book is almost like a book of short-stories, loosely woven together, and Danny Boyle did an excellent job at connecting them together and choosing the best parts for the film. The movie also takes a more comedic approach as apposed to the extremely dark novel, but that does not downgrade it's message, and it still packs a mean punch.

Trainspotting is heavily performance driven, with an almost ensemble cast. Ewan McGregor, in his second Danny Boyle film, does an excellent job at being the centre of the film, and he guides the film through with his brutal performance as the cynical Mark Renton, his role reminiscent of Malcolm McDowell's Alex DeLarge.

Another mention-worthy performance is that of Robert Carlyle as Begbie, the psychopathic, alcoholic speed-freak, one of the most terrifying personalities in film, in a no-holds back performance. While Renton is the "moral compass" of the film, the other characters represent different sides to Renton, Spud, the care-free, happy side, Sick-Boy, the cold-hearted, stone-like personality defunct side, and Begbie, the psychopathic side.

Trainspotting transitions from fantasy and reality quite frequently, sometimes transporting the viewer into a realm and peace and happiness, only to seconds later rip you back into a sick, dark and disturbed reality.

Trainspotting deals with many complex and taboo issues without ever definitely agreeing or definitely disagreeing with them, sometimes leaving the decision up to the viewer, though this film is definitely a cautionary tale, and it leaves no stone unturned, no aspect not focussed on, and delivers a realistic, terrifying portrayal of the life of a drug-addict.